Weekend Reports

This was always going to be a corking weekend. Festive spirit was most definately in the air and one could taste the excitement and expectation as everyone anticipated Christmas. Christmas at S. Anselm's is very special indeed - the halls are decked out in tinsle and glittering Christmas trees nestle in corners throughout the school. This Sunday, the boarders were met by a beautiful frosty morning with the orange sun low in the sky and edges of the leaves were tinged with spikes of white. Everyone jumped out of bed with a spring in their step as this Sunday was to be a very special one and everyone knew it.

A big fry up was laid out in the dinning hall and it was much needed as the rugby players had to take on their own fathers in the Fathers v Sons tournament that morning. Icy pitches were not going to stop anyone and the contest was played in great style and despite the slightly one-sided ratio between the fathers' packs and the sons' the scores seemed very even.

All that was put aside in the Hargreaves Hall when the parents put on a presentation celebrating Mr Morse's massive contribution to school life and toasted him and his family and wished them well in the future. This was followed by a massive family mean for all the players and their guests.

That afternoon the S. Anselm's pupils were let loose on the Bakewell public. Mr & Mrs Northcott, Mrs Price, Mrs Young, Mrs Bhamra, Mrs Morse, and Mr Mace all escorted the pupils down as they got some Christmas presents for their families. Dont blame us if you get a Peruvian hat or Santa hat this Christmas!

That evening, things took on a very different tone. Mrs Lings delivered a most touching and sensitive service that spoke of the miracle of the lowly cattle shed but also the miracles of kindness performed by every day people across the world today.Candles were lit and the choir and congregation sang carols with great passion.

Then, of course, it was the mighty Boarders' Feast and my goodness it was magnificent! Hunks of turkey dripping with gravy were dished out by the staff and the pupils gorged themselves on all the trimmings.

The tradition of the youngest boarder toasting the kitchen staff was continued with Amelia Wilson doing a fantastic job.

This was followed up by a mountain of profiterols laced with cream and chocolate sauce.

Then the fun began. Mrs Morse delivered a heart rending Christmas carol she had written, telling of the Morses' sadness at leaving (with a bit of comedy thrown in too!). Then Mr Northcott led the school in a trio of Christmas rhymes particular to S. Anselm's itself! But it was, as every year, Mr Donaldson who stole the show with his splendid rabble rousing rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas.

Hands were bruised as they thumped the tables and voices broke as the pupils banged out the tune with great gusto! What an evening it was and the boys and girls slipped into bed knowing that Christmas was well and truly here! Happy Christmas!!!